Update: We've had several dinners since this original one star review and I can confidently say they've made up for the problems we had a while back. The employee who was so rude is no longer there. Maybe she's found employment elsewhere.
Each time we've ordered recently the food has been excellent and the customer service back the way it was when they first opened the brick and mortar restaurant.
Kudos to you and your staff for your aloha spirit!
Mahalo!
It makes me sad to write this review, but after multiple let downs it is past due.
When they first opened their brick and mortar location on Park Way the service was amazing. We were regulars from the first day they opened. However as they became busier, the service declined. The food is still really good, but when they stop valuing their customers, it's time to find a new restaurant.
The time before today the woman running front of house was very rude to me. All I did was let her know that I thought the location had closed or maybe they had a problem with their phones because the phone rang and rang but was never answered. She bit my head off.
Tonight was the final straw. I tried ordering online, but decided to call instead. Before calling I went through the online menu putting my order together. According to their own online ordering system I was entitled to 9 sauces (3 per entree and 3 for the Spam Musubi). I called my order in and when I went to pick it up was told that I would have to pay extra for the 3 sauces for the Spam Musubi. I told the counter person that online it says I get 3 sauces for the Musubi and she argued with me and pointed out the sign taped to their counter.
I've worked in food service as a manager. You don't treat customers like this, especially when your own ordering system says something completely different. You also don't argue with customers or show frustration. They are nickel and diming over a sauce that costs them pennies to make. And now they've lost customers as a result. All she needed to do was give me the 3 sauces and say that she'd check into the misprint on the ordering page.
If I can figure out how, I'll post the screenshot I took of the Spam Musubi plus included sauce.
Update: Well I'm impressed with how quickly I received a response to my post. That speaks volumes. Earlier my husband was remarking about the importance of the pickle. For those of you who don't know, it's a reference to the policy of an old Portland restaurant, Farrell's. The owner always said, if they ask for an extra pickle, give them one! Thank you for reaching out! This makes me want to try again. I'm hoping to give all 5...
Read more808 Grinds is a Hawaiian food truck located in Downtown Portland. Before we headed head for lunch, we did a little research about the must try food trucks in Portland. 808 Grinds was consistently mentioned.
When we arrived at 11:00AM, they were just opening. Despite this, there was always a couple of customers ahead of us. We quickly glanced at their menu on the side and chose the Da Combo (Shou Chicken and Kalua Pig with a side of rice and macaroni salad). The people working there were diligent and friendly. They also offered their own house made sauces. There were a variety of flavours and we tried 4 of them.
The Shoyu chicken. Oh my God. We have never had anything like this before. First, they provided HUGE portions. It was an entire chicken breast on our plate that was pull apart tender. There was distinct ginger taste along with a sweetness that just made the dish. It was, by far, the best chicken we've had at any food truck locations.
The Kalua pig was also very tender and had a different sauce/taste. We weren't entirely sure what it was but it tasted smoky and savoury. It was great and the portion was very generous as well.
The macaroni salad was equally as good. It really helped cleanse your palette after the meats as they were very savoury. The rice was also a welcomed addition that provided additional texture to each bite.
808 Grinds has really opened the door the Hawaiian cuisine for us. Before this, we never had an opportunity or desire to try Hawaiian cuisine but after this, we will be sure to give this cuisine a proper go. We highly recommend the Shoyu chicken and their unique house...
Read moreThis place is so good. Everything on the menu is very delicious (except the tofu poke which was a really really unique experience.... very oceany. I love ahi poke with a traditional preparation but this tofu dish was really overwhelming). Make sure you try the Saimin and the Shoyu Chicken. They serve perfect portions with yummy sauces, they have vegetarian options which is wonderful, and their mac salad is bomb. So good. I have to admit though, even more than the friendly service and amazing food, I seriously love the banana cream pie. They have a very talented pastry chef who makes the best banana cream pie I have ever tasted in my life with fresh banana slices, fresh custard (or pudding? Not sure), and a ton of fresh not too sweet real whipped cream on the top of a flaky delicious crust. The guava cake is also on point but that pie........ now I have to go get some after writing about it! Lol. They also cater and make large cakes and pies for sale! A few tips: if you have a limited amount of time make sure you order well in advance and confirm the time your order will be ready. Also, this is not a fast food joint, be patient and don't expect your food to come out in 10 minutes. They are preparing a quality meal from scratch and it takes time. Totally worth it I promise. Another cool thing is that you can now order through Amazon Prime for...
Read more